Air Astana named best airline in Central Asia and CIS for 15th time

The Air Astana group received three World Airline Awards 2026 at once. Air Astana once again became the best airline in Central Asia and the CIS, while FlyArystan was recognized as the region's leading low-cost carrier for the fourth year in a row. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

Air Astana received two main regional awards at the World Airline Awards 2026 ceremony, which took place on September 18 at The Langham hotel in London. The award is presented annually by Skytrax, an international air transport rating agency.

Air Astana was named "Best Airline in Central Asia and the CIS" for the 15th time in a row. In addition, the carrier received the award for "Best Onboard Service in Central Asia and the CIS" for the tenth time.

The low-cost carrier FlyArystan, part of the Air Astana group, also retained its leadership position. The airline became "Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia and the CIS" for the fourth year in a row.

Commenting on the award results, Ibrahim Zhanlyel, chief executive officer of the Air Astana group of companies, noted that 2026 turned out to be a difficult year for the aviation industry. Carriers' operations were affected by regional conflicts and high oil prices. In addition, the group had to redistribute about 15% of its carrying capacity from destinations to the Persian Gulf countries to other regions.

Despite external challenges, Air Astana continued to expand its international route network and develop transit traffic.

"It really was a difficult year. The situation was affected by regional conflicts, oil prices were very high. At the same time, we were forced to redistribute a fairly significant part of our carrying capacity from destinations to the Persian Gulf countries to other regions. At the same time, I think we once again proved the flexibility and resilience of the Air Astana group," Ibrahim Zhanlyel said in an interview with Kursiv.

According to him, the group managed to quickly restructure its operations and maintain its pace of development.

"We redistributed carrying capacity and continued to develop our international route network. The volume of our international transfer and transit business grew by 82% in the second quarter," said the head of the Air Astana group of companies.

Zhanlyel called receiving the Skytrax awards a reason for pride for the carrier's entire team.

"Today is a special day for us, one that fills us with pride and joy: for the fifteenth time we are receiving the Skytrax award as the best airline in Central Asia and the CIS. For the tenth time we are receiving the award for the best airline staff service," he emphasized.

The group's chief executive officer also noted the contribution of Air Astana and FlyArystan employees to the results achieved. The group currently employs about 7,000 people.

"I cannot fully express how proud I am of all seven thousand of my colleagues, thanks to whom we received these two awards. In addition, FlyArystan is becoming the best low-cost airline in Central Asia and the CIS for the fourth year in a row," Zhanlyel said.

He added that the aviation industry constantly faces new challenges, but the results of 2026 confirm the group's ability to adapt to changing conditions.

"Difficulties will always exist. This year was no exception in that regard. But I am very pleased with the results achieved — both the operational indicators and the recognition we received today from Skytrax," said the head of the group.

Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said the award results demonstrate the high regard passengers have for Air Astana's service.

"Air Astana's success at the global World Airline Awards highlights the airline's highest standards of service and product. Passengers highly value the service provided, and the 2026 results demonstrate Air Astana's commitment to delivering excellent onboard quality and maintaining consistently high standards," Plaisted noted.

In an official comment following the ceremony, Ibrahim Zhanlyel emphasized that the awards reflect the positions of both of the group's airlines in their segments.

"It is a great honor for us to receive these prestigious Skytrax awards for both Air Astana and FlyArystan. This recognition is especially valuable because it reflects the opinions of our passengers and demonstrates the strong positions of both airlines in their segments. I want to thank our customers for their trust and loyalty, and the entire team for their dedication and commitment to the highest standards of safety and service. The Air Astana group is entering the next stage of its growth, and we will continue to invest in our employees, fleet and customer experience," he said.

The World Airline Awards were established by Skytrax in 1999. Winners are determined by the results of an international survey of passengers from more than 100 countries. Survey participants rate more than 350 airlines. Skytrax independently funds the survey and the award ceremony.

Among Air Astana's other recent achievements are the title of "Best Airline in Central Asia" according to APEX, as well as awards from the Pax International Readership Awards, Onboard Hospitality Awards and TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Awards.